San Diego Magazine's Happy Half Hour

Latest Episodes:

Ep 73: A restaurant that will babysit your kids, True Food Kitchen founder Dr. Andrew Weil drops in Dec 14, 2017

Show notes

On today’s Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson, along with producer Archana Ram are coming at you live from Petco’s headquarters in Rancho Bernardo. We’re talking the latest local restaurant news, like the new Landon’s Gourmet Kitchen in San Marcos offering on-site childcare, plus a new pizzeria coming to North Park. Joining us is Dr. Andrew Weil, the founder of True Food Kitchen, which opened its second San Diego location last month at Westfield UTC. He tells us why he created a restaurant, his favorite dishes at TFK, and more. Plus, we’re talking about our favorite bars and restaurants to visit this time of the year. Hello, holiday visitors!

Ep 72: Eat pizza for charity, Level2 bar director Stephen Kurpinsky drops by Dec 07, 2017

Show notes

In today’s Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson, along with producer Archana Ram are chatting about restaurant news, like a new cocktail shop in North Park and a collaboration between Regents Pizzeria and Mastiff Sausage Company that will benefit the charity No Kid Hungry. Plus, we tell you why you have to visit Polite Provisions before Christmas. Today’s guest is Stephen Kurpinsky, the spirits and beer director at Level2, the hip cocktail-focused bar at George’s at the Cove. He’s telling us about his new project that involves developing drinks based on San Diego neighborhoods, like an OB cocktail with hemp. Subscribe to the Happy Half Hour on iTunes or Google Play, or listen below. Today’s Happy Half Hour is brought to you by the YMCA. At the YMCA, build more than muscle. Build relationships. From BodyPump and Pilates, stretching and strength training, to indoor cycling, water exercise and yoga, you’ll find something that’s fun, supportive and keeps you moving together.

Ep 71: Café Chloe opens Minou in the East Village and Extraordinary Desserts chef-owner Karen Krasne Nov 29, 2017

Show notes

Today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour is sponsored by Vom Fass, the Hillcrest boutique that sources small producers around the globe for its collection of whiskies, brandies, oil, fruit vinegars, and more. They’re telling us all about their “try before you buy” policy and how you can mix the most creative cocktails using, yes, vinegar. In Hot Plates, we’re talking about the latest from the Café Chloe team, plus a coffee shop in Crown Point and Lemon Grove’s new Italian restaurant, Giardino Neighborhood Cucina. Today’s guest is Karen Krasne, chef-owner of Extraordinary Desserts. She tells us how she began her business selling cakes to Neiman Marcus in the late ‘80s for events. That led her on a career that has included working at Hotel Del Coronado (for three hours), cooking in Cancun, and baking out of her dad’s home kitchen. She’s also telling us about her holiday desserts and a new limited-edition cookie that gives back to a great cause. In Two People/$50, we’re recommending Trilogy Sanctuary and La Vecindad.

Ep 70: Boochcraft gives us the scoop on the kombucha biz, and Vom Fass talks oil, vinegars, and more Nov 21, 2017

Show notes

Today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour is sponsored by Vom Fass, the Hillcrest boutique that sources small producers around the globe for its collection of whiskies, brandies, oil, fruit vinegars, and more. They’re telling us all about their “try before you buy” policy and how you can mix the most creative cocktails using, yes, vinegar. In Hot Plates, we’re talking about the new True Food Kitchen at Westfield UTC, Catalina Offshore’s Good Food nomination and the East Village’s You & Yours Distilling Co., whose founder Laura Johnson was just named on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Today’s guest is Adam Hiner, co-founder of Boochcraft, the San Diego-based company that makes kombucha with a boozy spin. He gives us the scoop on how Boochcraft started, all the trial and error that went into making the drink (at one point they tried adding in moonshine), and their most popular flavors. Plus, we’re talking about hops and how climate change may make beer more expensive. In Two People/$50, we’re recommending Buona Forchetta, Shake Shack, and Arrivederci.

Ep 69: City Tacos is headed to La Mesa and Mad Monk Tea co-founder Taylor Drye drops by Nov 15, 2017

Show notes

Today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour is sponsored by the upcoming SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-off. We’re joined by Waypoint Public chef Rich Sweeney and SoNo co-organizer Brijet Myers to chat about the 8th annual event that includes nearly 40 restaurants making chili, plus a holiday craft market, craft beer, and more on December 3 at the intersection of 32nd and Thorn streets in between North and South Park. Even better, the event raises money for McKinley Elementary School’s Spanish, art, and music program. In Hot Plates, Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson are talking about City Tacos’s expansion to La Mesa and a revamped downtown hotel with three food concepts from The Patio Group. And Troy tells us about the fifth taste known as “umami” and what he thinks the sixth taste is. Today’s guest is Mad Monk Tea co-founder Taylor Drye who explains what single-origin tea is all about. In Two People/$50, we’re recommending UnderBelly and Plant Power.

Ep 68: A San Diegan is headed to Top Chef, the SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-off returns Nov 08, 2017

Show notes

We’re bringing you today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour from North Park’s Waypoint Public, one of nearly 40 restaurants participating in this year’s SoNo Fest & Chili Cook-off. We’re joined by Waypoint chef Rich Sweeney and SoNo co-organizer Brijet Myers to chat about the 8th annual event that includes chili, beer, a holiday craft market, and more—all taking place December 3 at the intersection of 32nd and Thorn streets. Even better, the event raises money for McKinley Elementary Schools’ Spanish, art, and music program. In Hot Plates, Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson are talking recent restaurant openings, including a local chef headed to TV on the next season of Top Chef and Buona Forchetta’s expansion. Today’s guest is Eric Larson, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. Plus, we’re talking about the potential cuts to farmer’s market funding.

Ep 67: A crowdsourcing effort to buy Anheuser-Busch, and San Diego Beer week kicks off this Friday Nov 02, 2017

Show notes

On today’s Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson, along with producer Archana Ram are talking recent restaurant openings, including a new Breakfast Republic in Carmel Valley, Draft Republic in Carlsbad, and the charitable coffee concept, The Dojo, in City Heights. Today’s guest is Jill Davidson, president of the San Diego Brewer’s Guild and sales manager at Pizza Port. She’s here to chat about San Diego Beer Week (kicking off this Friday), and what it was like to start as a Pizza Port bartender in 2010 and move up to sales manager. Plus, there’s a crowdsourcing attempt to buy Anheuser-Busch, and sales for wine and spirits are on the rise—making beer marketers nervous. And we share our recommendations for Two People/$50, including Rudy’s Taco Shop, Dan Diego’s, Liberty Public Market, Petite Madeline, and the Oceanside farmers market.

Ep 66: The blessing and curse of Yelp, and CH Projects’ chef-partner Jason McLeod stops by Oct 25, 2017

Show notes

In today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson, along with producer Archana Ram are chatting about restaurant news, like the new Blue Water Grill in Carlsbad, a chic new Japanese spot in La Jolla, the buzzy chef now working in Oceanside, and our thoughts on Shake Shack’s recent opening in Westfield UTC. Today’s guest is Jason McLeod, the chef-partner of Consortium Holdings, better known as the team behind—to name a few—Ironside Fish & Oyster, Soda & Swine, Craft & Commerce, and most recently $7-million steakhouse Born & Raised in Little Italy. He talks about coming on board the cocktail-centric restaurant group to expand its food, the beauty of dry-aged steaks, and why we need to change the narrative of San Diego’s food scene. Plus, inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s recent rant on Yelp, we discuss the pros and cons of the review site. And what did Food & Wine get right and wrong about San Diego dining? And we share our recommendations for Two People/$50, including Civico 1845, Mendocino Farms, and Hooley’s in La Mesa.

Ep 65: A Cuban bar opens in the Gaslamp, and world pasta champion Accursio Lota of Solare drops by Oct 17, 2017

Show notes

On today’s Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson, along with producer Archana Ram are talking about the latest restaurant news, like the opening of Stella Public House in San Marcos and a new Cuban-inspired lounge in the Gaslamp. Our guest is chef Accursio Lota of Liberty Station’s Solare. He’s back from a recent trip to Italy where he was one of 20 chefs selected from around the globe to compete in Barilla’s 6th annual Pasta World Championship. He talks about charming a panel of five Michelin-starred chef-judges with his seafood carbonara and whether Italian food could be the next fast-casual trend. Plus, foie gras is illegal again. And we share our recommendations for Two People/$50, including Bar Bodega, Fattoush, and Supannee House of Thai.

Ep 64: Korean fried chicken hits Convoy, Mission Brewery's new buy-in program, and Herb & Wood GM Oct 11, 2017

Show notes

In today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson, along with producer Archana Ram are talking about the latest restaurant news, including the closing of Romesco and Hard Rock Café, and the opening of Cross Street Chicken and Beer in Kearny Mesa. Plus, you can now own a share of Mission Brewery. Joining us is Chris Puffer, longtime Brian Malarkey collaborator and general manager behind Herb & Wood, Searsucker, Farmer & the Seahorse, and other eateries. He talks about delving into design for the first time with Herb & Wood (like H&W’s super-cool server uniforms), the Little Italy renaissance, and what he’s learned from his experience in opening 16 restaurants from coast to coast. Plus, he shares the secret menu item at Herb & Wood. In hot topics, we’re chatting about the Great American Beer Festival, where Pizza Port, Bagby Beer Company, and other local breweries picked up awards. And we share our recommendations for Two People/$50, including Masala Street, Cantina Mayahuel, and the Hillcrest Farmers Market.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

San Diego Magazine’s Happy Half Hour

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected